Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Quiche, Cooked Perfectly

Yes, you can cook a frozen quiche in an air fryer. It is a simple, quick, and easy way to cook a quiche without the need to pre-heat the oven. The cooking time depends on the size of the quiche, whether it has a crust, and the power of your air fryer. For a regular-sized quiche, the cooking time is between 15 and 20 minutes at 350°F. For a mini-sized quiche, the cooking time is between 8 and 10 minutes at 330°F. If you are making a quiche from scratch in the air fryer, the cooking time is between 30 and 40 minutes at 400°F.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a frozen quiche in an air fryer depend on the size of the quiche and the model of the air fryer. For a regular-sized quiche, the cooking time is between 15 and 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a mini-sized quiche, the cooking time is between 8 and 10 minutes at 330 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a Philips air fryer, the cooking time for a frozen quiche is 10 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of the quiche, as well as the brand and type of air fryer being used. For example, frozen mini quiches can be cooked at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Additionally, the cooking time may be longer if the quiche has a crust, as a crustless quiche will cook slightly faster. A 5-inch quiche with a crust can be cooked at 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 12-15 minutes.

When cooking a frozen quiche in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the middle of the quiche reaches a safe temperature. This can be checked using a food thermometer, which should read at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

By following the recommended cooking times and temperatures, you can ensure that your frozen quiche is cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Filling options

The fillings for an air fryer quiche can vary according to your imagination and preferences. Here are some options for different ingredients:

Meat:

• Crumbed bacon or turkey bacon
• Crumbed sausage
• Diced chicken
• Torn prosciutto
• Diced ham
• Salmon

Vegetables:

• Broccoli
• Chopped peppers
• Onions
• Scallions
• Leeks
• Cooked and chopped asparagus
• Spinach
• Green onions

Cheese:

• Swiss cheese
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Gruyere
• Goat cheese
• Feta
• Monterey Jack
• Parmesan
• Finely shredded Mexican blend cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil
• Parsley
• Chopped fresh herbs
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika

You can also try a combination of multiple cheeses to add more flavour to your quiche.

Pre-made vs. homemade

Yes, you can cook a frozen quiche in an air fryer. It is a huge time saver as you don't need to pre-heat the oven, and the quiche will heat through in only 15 minutes. The cooking time is similar for a homemade quiche, which can be prepped and cooked in as little as 30 minutes.

Now, let's talk about the pros and cons of premade vs. homemade quiche.

Premade Quiche

Opting for a premade quiche can be a convenient option, especially if you're short on time or don't enjoy spending hours in the kitchen. They are readily available at grocery stores and can be easily cooked in an air fryer, as discussed earlier. This method saves time and effort, making it ideal for busy individuals or unexpected guests.

However, one downside of premade quiches is that you have limited control over the ingredients. The flavours and fillings are predetermined, and customisation options are restricted. Additionally, premade quiches may contain preservatives or additional ingredients that you might prefer to avoid.

Homemade Quiche

Creating a homemade quiche offers a level of customisation and creativity that premade options cannot match. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to cater to specific dietary needs or personal preferences. Love bacon and cheddar? Go for it! Prefer a vegetarian option with spinach and feta? That's also an option! It's your quiche, and you get to decide.

Making your own quiche also ensures that you know exactly what goes into it. This can be especially important if you or your guests have dietary restrictions or allergies. By preparing the quiche yourself, you can guarantee that it meets your desired standards for freshness and quality.

However, it's important to note that preparing a homemade quiche requires more time and effort. From mixing the ingredients to baking it in the oven or air fryer, the process is more involved. Additionally, if you're not careful, the cost of ingredients can add up quickly, especially if you're using specialty items or high-quality produce.

Crust options

You can cook a quiche in an air fryer with or without a crust. If you prefer a crust, you can use a pre-made pie crust or puff pastry dough. You can also make your own crust by par-baking a frozen pie crust in the air fryer before adding the filling. This helps ensure that the crust is cooked through without overcooking the filling.

If you are making your own crust, you can use a store-bought frozen pie crust or make your own from scratch. If you are using a frozen pie crust, place it in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5 minutes at 350°F. This will par-bake the crust, meaning it will be partially cooked before you add the filling. While the crust is baking, you can prepare the filling by whisking together eggs, heavy cream, ham, cheddar cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

If you prefer a crustless quiche, you can simply pour the filling into a ramekin or other oven-safe dish and cook it in the air fryer. A crustless quiche will cook slightly faster than a quiche with a crust. For a 5-inch quiche, cook at 325-350°F for about 10-12 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of your quiche, as well as the brand and type of air fryer you have. Be sure to keep an eye on your quiche the first time you cook it in an air fryer and adjust the time as needed.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer quiches are a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served as a main or side dish, and are perfect for holiday parties, get-togethers, or weekend brunches.

If you're serving quiche for breakfast, you could round out the meal with some sweet pastries, like blueberry crumb cake, strawberry lemon muffins, or blueberry muffins. For a lighter breakfast, serve the quiche with a tossed salad.

For brunch, you could pair the quiche with other treats like bacon and eggs, or chorizo egg muffins.

As a main dish, the quiche can be served with a salad and rolls for a satisfying lunch or dinner. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables, like broccoli, or a fruit salad. If you're serving the quiche as an appetizer, it can be paired with various finger foods or other bite-sized appetizers like mini quiches or egg rolls.

If you're cooking for a special occasion, you might want to serve the whole quiche. Otherwise, it's recommended to cut the quiche into single servings. Freezing individual portions makes it easier to grab a quick breakfast in the morning.

Frequently asked questions